Philadelphia’s Complete Autowash continues to rebuild more than a year after a January 2025 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid that disrupted its operations and workforce. The family-owned carwash, which had been serving the community for nearly two decades, was left grappling with the loss of seven employees arrested for alleged undocumented status, according to ICE.

The raid, which took place on a cold Tuesday morning shortly after President Trump’s second inauguration, marked a significant challenge for Jeffrey Lee, who manages the business his parents purchased 19 years ago. Since the arrests, Complete Autowash has cycled through more than 100 employees, many of whom were unable to meet the demands of the job. Lee said about 20 new hires failed to last even an hour, citing difficulties with speed, skill development, and work ethic.

Prior to the raid, the carwash cleaned approximately 280 to 300 vehicles daily. Current figures show a reduction to roughly 200 to 220 cars, representing a significant decline in volume and revenue. Lee estimates sales dropped about 35% immediately after the ICE action, with some customers staying away for several months. The business also temporarily suspended a membership program for unlimited washes due to inconsistent service quality during the transition.

Lee, 37, who has been part of the business since age 18, describes the recovery process as strenuous on multiple levels. He noted that rebuilding has been slower than anticipated but added that stability is gradually improving, even as challenges persist.

The employees detained during the raid had lengthy tenures at Complete Autowash, with most having worked there for a decade or more. Lee said the workers presented valid-looking documentation, such as Social Security cards, and the business did not verify their immigration status, reflecting the informal nature of hiring in small service businesses.

An ICE spokesperson stated that worksite enforcement remains pivotal to its strategy for maintaining public safety, national security, and economic stability. The agency confirmed the investigation was initiated in part based on tips received through its hotline.

The raid reverberated through Philadelphia’s immigrant community but also generated a wave of job seekers eager to fill vacancies at the carwash. Of those hired post-raid, fewer than half have remained with the company long-term. New employees begin at $12 an hour, with potential raises for performance and attendance, while the pre-raid staff earned $15 to $18 per hour plus tips.

Since the incident, Complete Autowash has also faced increased legal and operational costs, including a $25,000 attorney fee related to immigration proceedings, and has postponed planned facility upgrades and a price increase.

Today, the workforce skews younger, mostly in their 20s, and only two employees from before the raid remain. Lee continues to oversee day-to-day operations from behind a plexiglass window, emphasizing improving customer service despite ongoing staffing challenges.

While service quality has started to recover, it remains uneven. Customers have noticed the difference between the new team and the experienced workers who were lost. Lee remains determined to lead the business forward, acknowledging both the setbacks and the progress made since the raid.